Let’s step into the story of the Centre Islamique de Villeneuve d’Ascq. It is more commonly known as CIV Villeneuve d’Ascq. The Centre Islamique de Villeneuve d’Ascq stands as a testament to the growing Muslim community in this Nord-de-France city. Villeneuve d’Ascq is not an ordinary city. It was born from the fusion of Ascq, Annappes, and Flers-lez-Lille in the late 1960s.
In the 1970s Muslims gathered in Villeneuve d’Ascq. They prayed in a prefabricated structure transformed into a mosque Masjid Attaoubah. It was near the Rameau school. The team of the association of Muslims of Villeneuve d’Ascq launched the mosque project in 2001. This marked a significant turning point.
After long negotiations the association bought land in 2005. This land was previously a parking lot for driving schools. A ceremony was held on October 29 of the same year. The first stone was laid symbolically. Construction began in March 2007. The 18-meter-high minaret began to point towards the sky in 2009. The Centre Islamique de Villeneuve d’Ascq opened its doors in 2011 during Ramadan. Four years of work had been put in.
The association sought an architect specializing in modern mosque design. Mr. Oussama Bezzazi who trained in Lille was chosen. He transformed the former parking lot into a majestic building. It features reinforced concrete and red bricks. An aluminum dome sits above. It is 13 meters high and 9.6 meters in diameter. A golden crescent tops the dome. The hollow minaret is 18 meters tall. It draws inspiration from a city chapel’s bell tower.
Transparency is a key theme. Nearly 70% of the facade is windows. The women’s prayer room has a transparent railing. A long hall runs through the building. It is covered by a rounded Plexiglas roof.
Ahmed Miktar the mosque’s Imam said transparency symbolizes openness. It shows the Muslim community’s connection with the outside world. Architect Bezzazi aimed to create a place of worship mirroring its city. He sought to avoid distorting its identity.
Red brick a traditional material in the North was used. It recalls the region’s history. The bay arches are inspired by Iranian art. The Centre Islamique de Villeneuve d’Ascq is equipped for sustainable development. It features rainwater harvesting and geothermal installation. The prayer hall is 700 square meters. The mezzanine adds 300 square meters. The mosque can host 2200 worshipers. The Centre Islamique de Villeneuve d’Ascq serves as a beacon. It is a testament to architectural vision.